Barcelona kept their title charge in full swing with a breathtaking 6-0 thrashing of Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, a result that underlined both their attacking firepower and the iron-fisted discipline of Hansi Flick.
With the La Liga race tightening every week, the pressure to maintain momentum is fierce and every fixture now feels like a statement.
The German coach has made it clear since arriving in Catalonia that standards off the pitch matter as much as performances on it.
His approach has already earned praise from the club’s hierarchy and, on this occasion, it created fireworks both on and off the field.
The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle, with the hosts looking to bounce back strongly after a demanding international break.
Injuries have tested their depth, yet the squad responded with a display that left Valencia chasing shadows.
The energy inside the stadium soared as news of a bold team selection filtered through.
Teenage prodigy Roony Bardghji was handed his dream debut on the right flank, stepping in for the injured Lamine Yamal.
Over on the left, Marcus Rashford started, while the absence of Raphinha from the initial line-up raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
According to RAC1 via X, the Brazilian’s benching was not down to tactics.
Flick reportedly punished Raphinha for arriving late to a pre-match activation session, continuing a strict stance on discipline that has previously seen Jules Kounde and Inaki Pena sanctioned for similar lapses.
Yet the story took a remarkable twist once the match unfolded.
Raphinha silenced any doubters with a blistering cameo, scoring twice as Barcelona ran riot.
His goals capped a sensational 6-0 victory, a result that left Valencia shell-shocked and the home fans in raptures.
The night showcased both sides of Flick’s management: unwavering demands for professionalism and the ability to coax a ferocious response when called upon.
Raphinha’s brace, despite the earlier punishment, ensured that Barcelona’s statement win will be remembered not only for the scoreline but also as proof that discipline and dazzling football can go hand in hand.
‼️ Explicat a @EsportsRAC1 🎙️ Marta Ramon
Flick castiga Raphinha amb la suplència per haver arribat tard a la sessió d’activació. Havia de ser titular.#frac1 pic.twitter.com/6Lh4USQxwV
— El Barça juga a RAC1 (@FCBRAC1) September 14, 2025
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